With women making up just 15% of the UK construction workforce, the industry remains one of the most male-dominated sectors in the country.
For many, the barrier isn’t a lack of interest. It’s an unwelcoming culture. With 72% of women in the trades experiencing gender discrimination, the industry’s stagnation is a systemic issue that requires more than just good intentions.
Karrina’s experience is a familiar one. Entering training environments where she was immediately underestimated because of her gender, she felt the exhausting pressure to overcompensate just to be treated as an equal.
Joining Women Construct Wales provided a vital alternative. By removing the pressure of comparison, Karrina was able to focus on her genuine capability. Mastering tiling and carpentry wasn’t just about technical skill; it was about dismantling internal barriers and changing the narrative. Karrina’s story proves that when we provide environments where women’s abilities are valued equally, we gain confident, skilled tradespeople ready to lead.
Q: Why did you want to join the project in the first place?
I wanted to join the project just to gain a bit more experience in different areas in the construction industry.
Q: What was your experience in other male-dominated training before the project?
It was difficult because it is expected that even the younger men and boys should be able to do it better than myself because I’m a woman, I’m weak, I can’t do anything, you know? But actually, I discovered that I can do a lot more than people give me credit for. I’m stronger than I thought I was.
Q: What have you gained from being on the project so far?
I’ve met some lovely, lovely people. The tutors are lovely, the volunteers are lovely, like we all just get along. I’ve also learned like skills that I won’t forget and that I can build on. I feel more confident that I can do stuff that I probably wouldn’t have ever looked at and been like, “Oh, I can do that.” I would have been like, “No, I can’t.” So, I’ve gained more valuable skills and knowledge.
Q: How does this project help us close the gender gap?
It’s about empowering us to take back control of, “Oh, you can’t do that.” Yes we can! Changing that stereotype that it’s male-dominated and only men can do it—it’s like, no, we got this too!
Q: Where do you see yourself after the project?
I want to be involved in the trades and just be hands-on. I don’t want to be sitting behind a desk. I want to be actively doing something to help the community and doing something for me too.
